Health Care Assistant - Cork

About the role

Depaul, a values-led charity working with services across the Republic of Ireland, is hiring a Health Care Assistant in Cork on a 12-month fixed-term contract (payable at €34,497.25 per annum, full-time 35 hours per week). The post reports directly to the Local Management Team and supports the day-to-day personal care, hygiene and nutritional needs of high-support-need residents, as well as infection control in their living areas.

Key responsibilities

• Provide personal care and support for hygiene, helping residents get up, wash, dress and change clothes and managing incontinence in private
• Prompt residents to take their medication regularly and keep medication records
• Monitor for pressure areas and prevent cross-infection using recognised infection control measures
• Assist with feeding, promote a balanced diet and support residents to stay active and clean
• Offer laundry support and link with the on-site nurse and shift co-ordinator, reporting health issues and incidents
• Accompany residents to medical appointments and support other staff in keeping the house orderly
• Meet health and safety standards, use security systems and cover for other staff when needed

Required profile

• One year's full-time experience as a Health Care Assistant, preferably in a residential setting, with experience in personal care
• QQI/FETAC Level 5 Healthcare Support Major Award
• Good standard of education
• Desirable: experience or interest in homelessness, substance misuse and mental health
• Understanding of risk management, calm response to crises and teamwork

Required skills

• Infection control
• Manual handling
• Knowledge of health and safety in residential settings

What we offer

• Annual leave of 25 to 30 days depending on length of service, plus 10 public holidays
• Employer-matched pension and health cash plan
• Life assurance of four times salary
• 18 weeks maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave
• Sick pay from day 1 and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Training including the Vision, Mission and Values course, Emerging Leaders and online learning